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What if modern chemistry didn’t replace alchemy—but was born from it?
In this episode of The Scholar’s Armchair, I’m joined by science writer Kit Chapman to discuss his fascinating book, The Age of Alchemy: How Early Innovators Shaped Modern Chemistry.
Most of us think of alchemy as the failed attempt to turn lead into gold. But Kit argues that this familiar story misses the point. Long before modern laboratories existed, generations of artisans, metalworkers, physicians, philosophers and alchemists developed the practical knowledge that would eventually become chemistry.
Together we explore the surprising history of alchemy, the forgotten innovators who shaped science, and what this remarkable story teaches us about curiosity, experimentation, failure and the search for truth.
In this conversation we discuss:
• Why alchemy has been misunderstood
• The real origins of modern chemistry
• Forgotten scientists and innovators from around the world
• How mistakes can lead to great discoveries
• Why science is always a deeply human endeavour
📖 Kit Chapman’s book: The Age of Alchemy
https://profilebooks.com/work/the-age-of-alchemy/
🧪 Follow Kit Chapman (“Chemistry Kit”)
https://www.youtube.com/@chemistrykit
📱 Kit on X (Twitter)
https://x.com/chemistrykit
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